Breaking
Sao Paulo GP Qualifying: Lando Norris claims rain-hit pole in wild conditions with Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen to start at back
Watch Sunday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix live at 5pm on Sky Sports F1, build-up from 3.30pm
Saturday 7 November 2026 20:51, UK
Lando Norris claimed pole position after a hugely-challenging Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying in treacherous wet conditions, for a race that will see Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen start at the back of the grid.
On a typically rain-hit day at ever-unpredictable Interlagos, qualifying was suspended for over an hour and 20 minutes after a torrential downpour hit the drivers' first laps of Q1.
The rain eventually eased - but never particularly stopped - to allow running take place and create a thrilling and unpredictable battle for pole.
- How Mercedes can win Constructors' Championship this Sunday
- Sao Paulo GP Schedule on Sky | F1 2026 Calendar | F1 2026 Standings
- Got the Sky Sports app? Sign up for latest F1 alerts📱
- Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream F1 with no contract 📺
In the end it was Norris who came out ahead as conditions worsened again in Q3 to seal a third successive Interlagos pole position for the outgoing world champion, on a weekend McLaren had already showed improved form in the dry following car upgrades.
George Russell was second fastest and already knew he had a five-place grid penalty for an engine change to serve for Sunday's race. But the Mercedes was left frustrated not to top qualifying after being advised to back out on what he felt would have been a quicker lap than Norris' when he came behind Williams' Alex Albon.
However, instead of getting a clearer run next time round, lap times increased amid increasing rain to bring an early effective end to the battle for pole.
New world champion Kimi Antonelli qualified third but will move ahead of team-mate Russell to the front row alongside Norris.
Charles Leclerc was fourth for Ferrari but he has a 10-place penalty for an engine change to serve so will drop down into the midfield.
His team-mate Hamilton was also originally supposed to serve the same sanction but a problem with his fresh Ferrari engine in final practice triggered a complete power-unit change and locked him in to a back-of-the-grid start.
He will be joined on the back rows by old title rival Verstappen, who has also taken a new power unit in his Red Bull from Saturday's running.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1's live Sao Paulo GP Schedule
Sunday November 8
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo GP reaction
8pm: Ted's Notebook
Formula 1 is in Brazil for the final leg of the triple header with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW
